Safeguarding and WWVP Processes at Sacred Heart

An important update and clarification to processes around volunteering in school and at school events, was included with the Term 2 Parent Information.

We welcome (indeed it is at times essential) parent helpers. We would like to stress the importance of knowing your responsibilities in terms of WWVP compliance. We attach the information again for your ease. The last part of the letter has specific examples of how this legal compliance applies to your activities in the school. Click Here

Student Attendance

We know that every day of attendance at school adds to your child's chances of success and achievement from Kindergarten through to high school. You play a key role in making sure your child attends school every day, and you do this because you understand that attendance leads to success, not just at school but later in life. 

This week we are conducting a general review of student attendance. We will be contacting parents and carers shortly to inform you if your child's attendance to date this year has dropped to 90% or below, as this is of significant concern.

It is a legal requirement that children attend school (ACT Education Act 2004). We now take the opportunity to remind you of attendance requirements and processes:

1. Teachers are legally required to mark the roll every day and retain all documentation relating to attendance.
2. Teachers mark the roll within 30 minutes of the day beginning. Late arrivals are discouraged. Parents/carers must accompany any child arriving after the start of the day to the office to be signed in.
3. If a child is absent for 3 consecutive unexplained days, we will contact parents by the third day at the latest.
4. Parents are legally required to give an explanation for absence, either before or within 5 days after. Our preferred method is via COMPASS. Refer to the COMPASS instructions on our website here or speak to the office for assistance with this.
5. Schools are required to respond to all emerging absenteeism, and work with parents/carers to support improved attendance.
6. Planned absences of more than 25 school days (including 25 part days) in a twelve-month period for reasons other than sick leave (S) require prior consideration and approval by the Principal. Please speak to our office staff for the necessary forms.
7. Parents and carers can access attendance data for their child on COMPASS.

For further information and support with any attendance matter, please contact the school.  

Thank you for all you do to support your child's full attendance at school. Every day at school counts towards your child’s learning.

Uniform and Equipment

Winter uniform is now expected to be worn daily, rather than short sleeves and pants. Please refer to the uniform policy on the website for details. We are noticing many children do not have names on items such as gloves. Everything should have names on it. We endeavour to return items with names to your child. Items that have no clear name are sent to lost property in the hall.

'End of May is hats off day!' Please continue to wear our sunsafe hats until the end of the month.

Children need to have their own drink bottle at school daily. It is very important to stay hydrated even during the cooler weather. Asking for a cup from the office should only be a last resort on a day a bottle has been forgotten. We ask for your attention to this, as our wonderful office staff are overwhelmed with cup requests at the moment.

Yours faithfully,